Copyright and the digital economy

This issues paper is the first formal publication of the Inquiry, intended to help frame discussion and encourage public consultation at an early stage. It provides background information about copyright in the digital environment, highlights the issues so far identified in preliminary research and consultations, and outlines the principles that will shape the ALRC’s proposals for reform.

It asks more than 50 questions about how the current copyright framework is affecting both commercial and creative enterprise and how current exceptions and statutory licences are working in the digital environment. We invite individuals and organisations to make submissions in response to the questions contained in the Issues Paper, or to any of the background material and analysis.

This is the second stage in the consultation process in this Inquiry into whether the Copyright Act needs amendment to allow Australia to fully participate in a modern, digital economy. The first stage included the release of the Issues...